Newbies corner

[Dark Hoon]

Hi all,

Just signed in to this forum.

I have a Golf GTI Mk7 (purchased brand new in 2014).

Had a water pump failure at just under 2 years after the purchase (at just over 7K) that was luckily replaced under the warranty.

Last month I had the same failure: water pump, thermostat and crack radiator.

Cost of repairs in excess of $4000. VWA declined my plea to help me out financially citing the expected wear and tear.

Understandably, I am fuming, so I joined this form to compare others' experiences.

There, I vented my spleen - off to reading.

[Sharkie]

You are lucky to only have had 2 water pump failures in 10 years. These water pumps do fail all the time, 7K km is a bit harsh but expected 20-30K km lifespan on them normally.

At 10 years old, understandably, VW would not be contributing, I'm afraid. For a 2014 GTI, up to 5 years I've seen VW do it, but almost never beyond that.

If you can do the work yourself, the cost of parts would be less than $2K. A good non-VW dealer mech could do it for about $3K.

[Dark Hoon]

You are lucky to only have had 2 water pump failures in 10 years. These water pumps do fail all the time, 7K km is a bit harsh but expected 20-30K km lifespan on them normally.

At 10 years old, understandably, VW would not be contributing, I'm afraid. For a 2014 GTI, up to 5 years I've seen VW do it, but almost never beyond that.

If you can do the work yourself, the cost of parts would be less than $2K. A good non-VW dealer mech could do it for about $3K.

Was reluctant to go private to be honest. The car is my "baby", it's in mint condition, never missed a service at the dealership where I bought it.

A bit disappointed with this happening - German engineering is probably not anymore.

My wife's Daewoo Lanos, purchased in 2001 at quarter of the Golf price has big fat zero issues with any engine part, except mufflers and air-conditioning top-ups.

[Sharkie]

Was reluctant to go private to be honest. The car is my "baby", it's in mint condition, never missed a service at the dealership where I bought it.

A bit disappointed with this happening - German engineering is probably not anymore.

My wife's Daewoo Lanos, purchased in 2001 at quarter of the Golf price has big fat zero issues with any engine part, except mufflers and air-conditioning top-ups.

It's not the engineering at fault; it is the scourge across all manufacturers of trying to save money on parts, and in the case of water pumps (mostly) on the EA888 engines making what should be all metal pumps with part metal and part plastic. The plastic bits undergoing continuous heat cycles result in brittleness and distortion and cause the notorious leaks.

EA888 water pump we replaced on the GTI.


I don't believe there will be any joy from the ACCC on a part on a 10 year old car.

[Dark Hoon]

It's not the engineering at fault; it is the scourge across all manufacturers of trying to save money on parts, and in the case of water pumps (mostly) on the EA888 engines making what should be all metal pumps with part metal and part plastic. The plastic bits undergoing continuous heat cycles result in brittleness and distortion and cause the notorious leaks.

EA888 water pump we replaced on the GTI.


I don't believe there will be any joy from the ACCC on a part on a 10 year old car.

Bummer...

Looks like I am clutching at straws...

[petemac110]

I don't believe there will be any joy from the ACCC on a part on a 10 year old car.

Fully agreed on that point - no chance at all.

[Brendo87]

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